Noticeable. Basch/Balthier & Fran/Penelo
Balthier actually understood why his partner had taken such a liking to the girl. He merely wondered why she had decided to allow the rest of them to notice it.
At least Penelo hadn’t realized that they all sensed the tension between them.
Ashelia barely took the time to mention it to anyone, but Balthier couldn’t avoid seeing a certain amount of envy in her eyes on the few occasions she actually looked at them. He couldn’t really blame her, not when the ghost of her husband refused to leave her alone.
Vaan’s reaction had impressed him. The young thief seemed to be genuinely happy for them and he instantly embraced the chance to learn more about Fran’s background, constantly wanting to know more about everything and nothing. Perhaps the boy did have some potential…
Basch was simply blessedly predictable.
“It is not the difference in years that bothers me, you know I do not care for such trivialities.” The former Captain frowned ever so slightly and sighed, warm puffs of air caressing Balthier’s neck. “It is that the girl is so young, barely more than a child.”
“Fran often calls me a child, this does not seem to bother you.” He absentmindedly played with a few golden strands of hair. “She does not care for the age of humes, she doesn’t truly understand it. We are all children in her eyes.”
“Perhaps I am overreacting. Penelo is a clever young woman and I have only good things to say about Fran.”
“The fallen Dalmascan knight, once a hero of war, and the Archadian criminal, former servant of the law… Or the outcast Viera and the orphan Mage.” Balthier chuckled. “I wonder which is thought of as the most immoral of those alternatives.”
“Point taken.” Basch laughed and kissed him.